New Delhi, Agency: In the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the lowest voter turnout was recorded in Bihar. Let’s find out the reason behind this.
In Bihar, Lok Sabha elections 2024’s first phase was conducted peacefully and impartially in Jamui, Gaya, Nawada, and Aurangabad on Friday. Amidst scorching heat and a blazing sun, nearly 48.23 percent of voters exercised their franchise by six in the evening. However, compared to 2019, there was a nearly five percent decrease in voting. In 2019, while 53.47 percent of voters had cast their votes, this time only 48.23 percent ventured out to vote. The first phase saw voting in 21 states, with Bihar recording the lowest voter turnout. Bihar is the only state where voting has been less than 50 percent.
Highest and Lowest Voter Turnout in Gaya and Nawada:
Gaya recorded the highest voter turnout, with 52 percent of voters casting their votes. In Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency, 50 percent, in Jamui, 50 percent, and the lowest voting took place in Nawada Lok Sabha constituency, with only 41.50 percent of voters exercising their franchise. Speaking to journalists after the voting, Chief Electoral Officer H.R. Srinivas said that voters boycotted the vote on six polling stations, including development works and other issues. Local authorities made great efforts to persuade them to vote, but the voters remained adamant about abstaining from voting.
Booths with Voter Boycott:
According to the Chief Electoral Officer, the booths where voters abstained from voting due to development works include 97 in Aurangabad Lok Sabha constituency, 65 in Gurua Vidhan Sabha, 42 in Tikari Vidhan Sabha, and 43, besides 8 booths in Barbigha Vidhan Sabha and 137 in Govindpur Vidhan Sabha. During the voting, a total of 53 complaints were received through various means. All complaints were addressed promptly.
Voter Turnout Declined in Nawada:
The voter awareness campaign conducted under the sweep program did not have a significant impact in the Nawada parliamentary constituency. In comparison to 2019, there was a 4.275 percent decrease in the 2024 voter turnout. During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, there was a total of 48.05 percent voter turnout in the Nawada parliamentary constituency, while during the 2024 elections, the voter turnout in this parliamentary constituency was only 43.775 percent.
Four Percent Decrease in Gaya:
During the Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout in Gaya parliamentary constituency was 52 percent this time, while in 2019, it was 56.16 percent. Compared to 2019, there was a decrease of nearly four percent in the voter turnout in 2024. Despite significant voter awareness campaigns, the percentage of voter turnout decreased.
Voting Percentage in Aurangabad and Jamui:
This time, 50.00 percent voting took place in Aurangabad. In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2019, 53.63 percent votes were cast here. Similarly, this time 50.00 percent voting took place in Jamui. In the last Lok Sabha elections, 55.21% voting was recorded. Bihar had the lowest voter turnout on four seats during the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
Voter Areas Affected by Hot Winds:
According to the official figures of IMD Patna, the areas where Lok Sabha elections were held on Friday were experiencing scorching heat. It was as if the hot winds had turned the entire area into an oven. In Gaya, the daytime temperature was recorded at 42.1 degrees Celsius, 42 degrees in Nawada, 41.8 in Jamui, and the highest temperature was recorded in Aurangabad at 42.2 degrees Celsius. It is worth mentioning that due to the heat, there may have been a decrease in enthusiasm among voters regarding voting.
